A/N: Wow, do you guys really think she'll get pregnant after that last chapter? And I know these two are frustrating. Believe me, I'm just as frustrated. There just seems to be more angst than romance between these two this time around. Isn't love great?
The Thrill Of It All II
Broken Alliances
Tiana didn't see Naveen for the rest of the morning as he had a long schedule lined up for himself and his father Kabir by his side. She welcomed that fortune and spent time with her son Daniel, who seemed very happy to be at the palace.
Watching him run across the enormously beautiful yard with the two chocolate labradors right behind him was a sight to see. It also made her realize how much good it would be for him to stay here.
"Ah! There you are!" Nagina said to one of her servants who stayed behind while the former queen approached Tiana. "I didn't see you at breakfast."
"I overslept," was Tiana answer.
"Hmm...," Nagina smiled, not convinced.
Tiana saw the look the woman was giving her and rolled her eyes. "Now I see where he gets it from?"
"Who is he?" she asked with a playful grin.
"You know," Tiana couldn't help but to smile in return.
"I got him to also smile...and I also know how much he loves you!" said Nagina.
"Hmm...," Tiana shook her head. "He apparently didn't get the memo."
"The what?" Nagina asked, confused.
Tiana shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what I just said myself."
Nagina didn't neither so she went back to their original topic. "My son can be as stubborn as he is determined. Keep trying he will eventually come to his senses."
"I was thinking about letting Daniel stay here for the summer," Tiana announced.
"You're leaving again?" Nagina asked, surprised.
"Yes, I have businesses to look after. Locally," she explained.
"Your husband left you everything I see," said the former queen.
"Just the family businesses. He surprised me when I saw it in black ink. When I asked him why he answered, 'I want you and Daniel to want for nothing.'"
Nagina nodded approvingly. "I'm happy that you're protected. Not many wives are as lucky."
"Lucky," Tiana laughed a little. "The marriage was everything but luck for me."
"Montreuil wives..." Nagina understood. "My mother married my father and it was difficult growing up having to choose which parent to go to. My parents hated each other."
"I hated my husband while he loved me in his own sick way. It was a love that puzzled me because I was so young when I married him."
"Was it your choice to marry him?" Nagina inquired.
Tiana shook her head.
"You poor thing. The wedding day must have been a nightmare."
She shook her head again. "The wedding day was pleasant. The wedding night was when my hell really began."
"Of course it was," Nagina said with a shudder. "Men...most men aren't this way. Naveen has never—
"No, not at all," Tiana made sure the woman was aware. "He was the first and only man who made me see why women fall in love. He's the best man I've ever known. Before I blew it."
Nagina nodded. "I am pleased that you've found happiness with my son. He certainly is happy whenever you are here. I've seen the way he stared at you at his celebration. It was as if no other person were in the room."
Tiana opened her mouth to response when Daniel's laughter caught her attention.
Nagina smiled. "He is beautiful and do you know what I know?"
"Hmm?" she asked, watching her son and the labradors running toward them.
"Daniel is my grandson," the woman said.
"He is," Tiana confirmed.
Nagina gently took her hand to the younger woman's. "And I look forward to spending more time with him. I only wish that I could do the same with you."
"Mama! Look! Look!" Daniel exclaimed before doing a cart wheel while both the puppies got down and rolled on the lawn.
Both Tiana and Nagina laughed and clapped.
"Very impressive!" Tiana then gave her son a hug.
Daniel returned the hug. "Mama?"
"Yes baby?"
"I've bee thinking about something."
"Oh?" Tiana smiled at Nagina before returing her look to Daniel. "And what are you thinking about?"
"Daddy said that I'm a prince of Maldonia."
"You are," Tiana nodded.
"So does that make you queen?"
Tiana sighed before answering. "Baby your daddy and I aren't married. So to answer your question, no. I'm not a queen."
"Oh," Daniel said, disappointed.
"Don't feel bad. I'm your mama and that's the best title I can ask for."
"It sounds boring," Daniel said honestly, making Nagina laugh a little.
Tiana kissed her son to top of the head. "Your boredom is my blessing."
()()()()
"The negotiations went through your majesty," said Michel, the royal constable.
"Thank you" Naveen shook the man's hand. "That's all for now..."
"Thank you your majesty" the man said, opening the door and smiled at the woman who was about to knock on it. "Good afternoon, Tiana."
"Good afternoon, Michel," she answered, surprised that the man even knew her name.
"Enjoy your day," he walked down the corridor.
Tiana stepped into the office to see Naveen in casual attire, looking right at her. "Hello Naveen."
"What are you doing here, Tiana?" he asked a little too harshly.
"I'm letting you know that I'm going back to the States and leaving Daniel here with you for the summer."
"Hm..." Naveen stood up with his eyes still on her. "I thought you were staying for a while."
"There's some business I have to take care of," she said.
"Jacques obviously isn't waiting for you," he said with a smug
She sighed in annoyance. "For God's sake can we not talk about him? He's dead. Gone!"
Naveen looked her up and down with arrogance in his stance. "And you think that I'm going to magically take you back—
"I'm not asking you to take me back!" Tiana exclaimed. "All I wanted to do was to tell you about me leaving—
"I heard you and—
"Just SHUT UP!" Tiana shouted in frustration. "You know what? I'm out of here!"
"Tiana..." He reached for her. "Tiana, wait!"
But she snatched her hand away. "Don't you ever touch me!" she refused to look at him. "You no longer have that privilege!" She then rushed out of the office and down the corridor.
Naveen watched her leave his office and noticed the developing tears in her eyes when she stopped him from touching her.
He knew that what she said came from his 'mistake' comment and that was when he was honest with himself. Sleeping with Tiana was anything but a mistake. The more he thought about it his heart grew sore. And as drunk as he was he could remember everything about it. From the kisses, caresses, thrusting, moaning even him telling her that he loved her. He really did love her. His feelings for her never went away and he hated himself for it.
Tiana looked beautiful last night and more than several occasions did he want to pull her into another room and simply have her for himself. No Dejen or Bradley—or any other man would have her except for him.
Maybe his father was right about forgiving and making up? He did miss her even though his grudge was preventing him from admitting it.
"I've got to stop her!" Naveen started out the door until almost running into his royal constable.
"Your highness. There's an emergency to look over!" Michel said, catching his breath.
He frowned. "What emergency?"
"Our alliance with Lukushon could be broken..."
()()()()
"But mama I don't want you to go!" Daniel cried.
Tiana held back her own tears, wiping away her son's. "I have to baby. Now promise to be good for me."
Daniel pouted. "I promise."
She kissed him on the forehead. "Good. Because I don't want to come back here and hear your grandmama or daddy telling me that you've been misbehaving."
"I'll be good. I promise!"
Tiana knew he would be. "Alright my love. I'll call you as soon as I get home in a few days. Love you."
"Love you," Daniel said as his mother gave him a kiss on the lips. He ran off to go find his new puppies.
Nagina sighed. "I don't understand why you have to leave tonight! Naveen is very stubborn and—
"Naveen and I are through Nagina," Tiana said with confirmation. "Our son is the most important person in our lives and after my marriage I shouldn't be in any romantic relationships anyway. Naveen has a right to not want to continue with whatever we had."
"Says who?" She asked.
"Says I...me," Tiana smiled, taking the woman's hands. "I'll be seeing you in a few weeks. Send Kabir my love."
"And Naveen?" Nagina asked.
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Wish him luck."
Nagina watched as the young woman was being escorted down the corridor and soon out of palace grounds. She did a little pout and said, "Stubborn children..."
()()()()
"...no problems Bradley. The misunderstandings are no longer an issue. You have a good evening as well. Goodbye," Naveen hang up the phone and got up. "No broken alliances, no problems."
Micheal, the royal constable rose from his seat as well. "Your majesty! Do you have any plans for this evening?"
"I'm going to talk to Tiana!" He said, opening the door.
The royal constable shook his head and smiled. "Well I hope you get her back! Maybe we won't have to endure anymore of your grunts!" he joked.
Naveen laughed in sarcasm just as he found Nagina and Daniel headed his way.
"Nav...I mean, daddy!" Daniel ran over to him.
"You already broke your mother's promise Daniel!" Nagina remembered Tiana telling him not to run in the palace
Naveen picked up his son and asked his mother. "Have you seen Tiana?"
"About a half an hour ago," was her answer.
"Where is she now?" he asked.
"On a ship riding for New Orleans, United States."
"She's what?" Naveen raised his brows. "Faldi faldonza!"
"She should be back in a week or two," Nagina added.
"I didn't want her to leave...not without hearing me out," Naveen said.
"I'm pretty sure that she's heard enough of you," Nagina said, annoyed. "If you weren't so hard on her then she would be here."
"Can we discuss this at a later time?" Naveen reminded her of Daniel being around.
"Very well," said the former queen. "I request an audience with you at eight thirty. It should leave you plenty of time after putting Daniel to bed. I will see you later, son," she winked at Daniel before walking up the stairs.
"Well daddy I guess its just us," Daniel said.
"Yep. So what do you want to do?" he asked his son.
"Plays games!"
"What sort of games?"
"Fun games!"
Naveen laughed at his son's honest response. "What sort of fun games?"
"Um, very fun games?" Daniel raised his brows.
Naveen could see Tiana in the boy's smile and couldn't help but to laugh at his son's silliness "Then fun games it is!"
()()()()
New Orleans – Five days later...
"I'm home!" Tiana announced.
"Girl is that really you?" Dorothy asked and gasped when she did she see her. "It is!" she gave her a hug.
Tiana laughed, returning the hug. "I've only been gone for a couple of weeks."
"Two weeks too long. Where's Daniel?"
"In Maldonia. With his father."
"His father..." Dorothy raised a brow. "His father...Naveen?"
Tiana nodded.
"But I thought that...wait so—
"Naveen is Daniel's father so tell me what have you been up to since I've been gone?" Tiana wanted to change the subject.
"Nothing really. I mean the house is obviously in excellent condition except when that dog is in here. Then Derek tried coming here twice to where I had to call the police and—
"Wait Derek tried coming in here?" Tiana frowned.
"Not coming inside the estate but he was around. I really can't say what he wanted since you didn't want anyone other than your parents and Charlotte here in your absence."
"I appreciate you looking after everything while I was gone," Tiana said.
"Anytime!" Dorothy smiled. "Are you going back to Maldonia? Will there be wedding bells?"
"I won't be there for another month. There's business to take care of."
"Like your restaurant?"
Tiana shook her head. "That's going to have to wait until I get everything else in order. I'm sure Derek hasn't been the most trustworthy." She dreaded having to call him.
"I suggest you rest for tonight and tomorrow you'll stomp him down," Dorothy advised.
"Hmm. As tempting as that may sound I'm going to have to decline for some beignets!" Tiana smiled.
The maid clapped her hands together. "Girl you know I love ya beignets!"
"My beignet?" Tiana rolled her eyes. "You are going to make the beignets!"
Dorothy's eyes widen. "I don't know how to make beignets!"
Tiana laughed, heading toward the kitchen. "I'm just messing with you! Come on! Let's get started with them!"
The maid followed.
()()()()
Nagina and Kabir watched as Naveen and Daniel were in the middle of a game of catch. Nostalgia and guilt ran through the former queen as she remembered not spending all the time she wanted with her son who turned out to be an amazing father and king.
Since Tiana's departure Naveen has made sure to always make time with his son. The young boy was more than thrilled to have his father be there for him. He loved his mother with all his heart, but it didn't feel the same with her being a girl. With his father also being a boy their games were more fun.
There were times when would notice his father staring up at the sky and even talking to himself. His mother said that only crazy people would do such an act and yet she did it too when no one was watching. Confused, he had to ask.
"Daddy?"
"Yes Daniel?" Naveen answered.
"Are you crazy?"
He laughed. "Am I what?"
"Crazy. Mama said that only crazy people talk to themselves," said the young boy.
"I don't talk to myself," Naveen was confused.
But the young boy nodded his head. "Yes you do! I saw you this morning in your office. You also mentioned my mama's name. Do you love her?"
"I..." Naveen then stopped. "When did you see me in my office?"
"This morning when you were looking out the window," he said. "My mama does the same thing about you! Say your name and sometimes she would even cry."
"She cries?" Naveen asked, hating to hear her crying because of him. And hating that a young child is telling him this.
"She doesn't think anyone can see her but I do, and I tried to make things better by cleaning my room and making sure Max stays outside but she is still sad. She even says your name in her sleep," he explained. "I know she loves you. So do you love her?"
"I...can't tell you that," he smiled.
"Why?" Daniel asked.
"Because its a secret."
"Why?"
"Would you like some candy?" Naveen asked.
"Yes please!" the young boy brightened up.
Naveen knew that it was wrong but he had to distract his son away from the topic of his feelings for Tiana. He knew he loved her, but couldn't bring himself to saying it due to his grudge.
"Come on daddy!" Daniel interrupted.
"Alright, alright!" Naveen laughed. "Let's race back to palace!" he scooped his son in his arm and began running.
"Hey I'm not running!" Daniel giggled.
"I know!" he laughed.
()()()()
"Dorothy!" Tiana ran down the stairs to hand the maid her envelope and a sheet of paper. "Here's my mail and the list of groceries. I hope its not too much for you."
"I should be able to handle this fine, girl! Be back shortly," she opened the door
"Take all the time you need!" Tiana pulled out some money. "That should cover everything. Including some thing for yourself."
Dorothy smiled. "Thank you, Tiana."
"Mm hm. Now go on" Tiana closed and locked the door before heading towards the kitchen. She stopped when she noticed light in the hall leading to Dorothy's room and followed the trail of light until reaching the maid's room. She was shocked to see how untidy the room was.
"Now she should know better than this," she looked around and instantly spotted some envelopes on the dresser. Curious, Tiana picked up one of the letters and saw that they were from the maids relatives and felt guilty for intruding in the woman's personal space, despite how much of a mess it was. She was about to leave when one of the opened envelopes fell onto the floor. Picking it up she could recognized that she was holding her own envelope. The same envelope that held the letter she left for Naveen to read about the identity of their child.
Furious, she looked through the piles of envelopes and found more of her letters to Naveen.
"Why would she hide my letters and not send them?"
()()()()
Dorothy counted the dollar bills before putting the stash inside her purse. "Five grand...where's my five hundred dollar bonus?"
Derek sighed in annoyance. "Don't you have a store to visit? I don't want Tiana getting suspicious. It was easier when she was out of town."
"Oh she won't, baby," Dorothy's eyes scanned him up and down.
"Tiana is very bright and I'm sure she'd be all over you if you're not careful," Derek warned.
Dorothy laughed. "She's not as bright as you say she is."
He raised a brow. "Oh? How so?"
"Let's just say that a picture is worth a thousand words and a letter is...worth secrets."
Derek grew interested. "And what is this secret?"
"Five hundred dollar bonus?" she held out her hand.
"How about five bullets in your head?" Derek pulled out a gun.
The maid stepped back. "I was only messin' with ya!"
He put his gun back in his pocket. "What is the secret?"
"Daniel isn't Jacques' son."
His eyes widen, shocked. "You're shitting with me!"
She shook her head. "I've read the letters and she told me from her own mouth!"
Derek rubbed his hands together. "Well this just got a whole lot interesting."